April Fools? I don’t think so…

After almost 70 years of living with dogs, I know with absolute certainty that dogs are not fools. They may be misinterpreted, but never fools. Ask any committed dog owner.  

Dogs know the time. If they are fed at a certain hour and you have forgotten, they will come and remind you. At the exact time. 

Dogs have a built-in sat-nav. I once took my dogs to a place in Spain where they had the most wonderful time digging holes in a field, looking for mice. Many years later, I went back to the same area and they would not pass the field until they had been to the exact same spot.  

Dogs have outstanding memories. One of my dogs is now in her 16^th year. She came from a rescue when she was 10 months old. I know that she had some training with her previous owner because when I asked her to sit for a treat, she raised a paw. I have never taught her to do this – and I have never asked her to do it either. It is automatic. I also know that she was once badly treated by someone wearing a baseball cap and using a stick. It must have happened 15 years ago. Even now, if she sees someone answering this description, she barks so furiously that I have to put her on her lead.  

Dogs are super-quick to learn anything that we ask of them. Think of all the assistance dogs who have learnt to help their owners. Guide dogs are the most well-known. 

Dogs have amazing hearing. It is estimated that they can hear up to half a mile away. It is well documented that they start howling before an earthquake strikes. 

Dogs can detect a smell up to two miles away and with some breeds it is even further away. Just think how they search for missing persons, or sniff out cancer cells and drugs. 

So never underestimate your dog and always respect his natural abilities. Dogs save lives. Think about adopting a rescue dog, they could save your life one day. 

Anne Hodges is a volunteer at Cadela Carlota 

www.cadela-carlota.com